Somehow, the Pittsburgh Steelers' defense got… worse? How did we get here?
The Steelers were a top-10 unit in nearly every metric last year, but so far in 2025, they look destined for a bottom-10 finish. It’s frustrating enough just from the framing of culture. The Steelers are supposed to have a great defense regardless of the circumstances, right?
However, it becomes more obvious when big names join the fold and the performance suffers. Tack on the fact that this is the highest-paid unit, offense or defense, in the NFL, and it becomes less acceptable. Between talent and satisfied contracts, Steelers fans expect more than what they’ve gotten so far.
Steelers defense continues to fall far short of expectations.
Everyone knows that Mike Tomlin’s defense isn’t nearly as diverse as the Dick LeBeau-orchestrated zone-blitz. It’s rooted in a base cover 3 shell with a conservative backend and an aggressive front end.
But half of the aggression in the front end is stymied by Watt all but planting roots in front of the right tackle. Injuries in the front seven aren’t helping, but it’s little excuse in the NFL.
Of course, Pittsburgh’s defense did perform better in Week 2 than in Week 1. That much is obvious on the scoreboard (they didn't give up all 31 points) and with the turnovers caused. Still, Tomlin’s defense’s predictability is shining through. Look no further than the success the Jets and Seahawks had on their opening drives and similarly scripted series. Touchdowns and bulk yards in those situations tell the story.
READ MORE: Reality sets in as Aaron Rodgers and Steelers' offense sputter in Week 2
The simplicity of the defense is not complementing the talent; it’s hampering it. It’s hard for any star player to make splash plays when the offense seemingly knows ahead of time where he’ll be.
But beyond the inefficiencies in the scheme that have been apparent for a long time despite the success in the stat rankings, the inefficiencies on third down are only making matters worse. Holding Seattle to 6-13 on third down looks fine until you scale it back and look at the situational lapses. Look no further than a 3rd and goal from the 19 being converted for a touchdown to give Seattle an insurmountable lead.
Are there bright spots? Yes.
Jalen Ramsey got his first interception and played with great intensity otherwise, though he did allow a critical 43-yard reception from Jaxon Smith-Njigba. Jack Sawyer and Nick Herbig stepped up with Alex Highsmith out of the lineup.
But beyond that, the Steelers are searching for answers after an avoidable Week 2 loss.